SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Flagler College men's cross country team finished their regular season at the Upstate Invite this morning, hosted by the University of South Carolina-Upstate. John Carbone makes his Saints debut for the 2024 season and led the pack of Flagler runners.

A total of 18 teams were represented this morning in a pool of 199 runners. Nine institutions attending the meet were NCAA Division I members - Jacksonville State University, Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina-Asheville. No. 22-ranked (USTFCCCA Division III Top 30) Emory University also competed. The Saints finished 10th overall in the 8K race, topping Wofford College, Gardner-Webb University and fellow Peach Belt Conference representative, Lander University.

Carbone finished 47th overall with a time of 25:48.2, He smashed his previous personal record by just under two minutes. Bryce Dufrene finished on the heels of Carbone, claiming 50th overall with a new personal record of 25:52.4.

Finishing third for the Saints was Luke Larkin who ran his first collegiate 8K in 26:29.3. Not far behind Larkin was Adrian Abercrombie who ran his career best in 26:37.6, setting himself up for an 85th place finish. In a time of 27:12.8, Max Bowlin finished his race finishing 115th overall.

The final two point scorers for the Saints were Ben Youngs and Joshua Sea. Youngs raced a personal best, 27:43.6, placing him at 130th overall while Sea continued his freshman campaign with a new personal record as well, finishing 133rd at 27:48.7. Ashton Akam joined the pr club, finishing his race in 27:53.3.

The Saints look to win their first Peach Belt Conference Championship since 2016 on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the University of North Georgia Cross Country Course.